Scouting DuPage County softball
Addison Trail
Coach: Mark Olson
Last year: 14-17 6-6 fourth place West Suburban Conference Gold Division; lost 12-0 in regional semifinal to St. Charles East.
Top players: Gianna Trippiedi, sr., C; Sophia Hawkins, jr., CF; Vincenza Zacarro, sr., LF; Katie Lacni, sr., RF; Nicci Scorza, sr., IF.
Scouting report: Mark Olson and Addison Trail like the depth of this year's squad. The Blazers will have depth across the field, and Olson has seen that turn into competition on the squad. Trippiedi, Zacarro and Lacni are three-year varsity players and Hawkins has been on varsity since she was a freshman. Couple that with some underclassmen, and Olson feels the Blazers can take another step in 2018. "This year we really hit the ground running with that mix of young energy," Olson said. "I think that's spurred on some good competition and increased that effort for us." Scorza, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, will also be a big boost to the Blazers lineup.
Benet
Coach: Jerry Schilf.
Last year: 11-23, 2-12 last place East Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 5-0 in regional championship to Montini
Top players: Lexi Potapczak, sr., 1B; Elena Stevenson, jr., P/IF; Megan Seranko, so., P.
Scouting report: The Redwings are hoping their youth - they have one senior on the roster - will make strides early and help them overcome some low numbers. They have only 20 players in the program. Potapczak, a Tiffin University commit, will look to bounce back from a tough junior year in which she hit .214, after hitting .300 in her freshman and sophomore years. Seranko, who started as a freshman, injured a tendon in her knee and won't return to the Redwings until around playoff time, if she can return at all. So the Redwings will lean on Stevenson and sophomore Bridget Linders in the circle. "The two of them are going to have to carry the load until Megan can come back," Schilf said. "We're a young team and we're growing. We're going to be a much better team at the end of the season than at the start."
Downers Grove North
Coach: Eric Landschoot.
Last year: 26-7, 10-2 second place in West Suburban Conference Silver Division; lost 2-1 in sectional championship to West Aurora.
Top players: Renee Bielawa, sr., OF; Jade Mejia Wick, sr., IF/OF; Maddi Greenaberg, sr., C/3B; Mackenzie Bernhard, sr., IF; Savannah Rodriguez, sr., P/1B; Estelle Czech, so., P/1B.
Scouting report: The Trojans will lean on a strong core to compete for a WSC Silver title and try and make a deep run in the playoffs. They'll need it after losing three seniors who are playing collegiately, including two at the Division I level. Downers North returns seven seniors, with five of them committed to play collegiately. That kind of leadership is invaluable to Landschoot and the Trojans. "They help out the coaches, they help out each other, they help out the younger kids," Landschoot said. "It's like having seven captains all the time whether they're on the field or not." Czech, who holds Division I offers, will lead the pitching staff.
Downers Grove South
Coach: Lauren Berg
Last year: 18-13, 12-1 first place West Suburban Conference Gold Division; lost 4-2 in regional semifinal to Oswego.
Top players: Lindsey Herrmann, sr., 1B/OF; Randi McKay, jr., P/2B/OF; Kara McKenna, sr., IF; Sarah Major, sr., C; Maggie Greco, jr., SS/3B/C; Samantha Krupa, sr., OF/1B; Rachel Davis, sr., OF.
Scouting report: The Mustangs will look to build off their strong conference showing from a year ago. They'll return a strong core of seniors, which they hope will help lead them to another WSC Gold title. The outfield, which could include two varsity newcomers, will be young, but Berg and the Mustangs see a lot of talent and potential. The strength will lie in the circle for Downers South. "Much of our strength will lie in pitching experience as well as our speed," Berg said. "We have a hardworking core group of senior leaders who are exemplifying leadership and dedication to the program that our younger athletes are building off of." The Mustangs are looking to use that balance to take another step in the playoffs this year.
Fenton
Coach: Dave Mello.
Last year: 13-23, 1-11 last in Metro Suburban Conference; lost 6-2 in regional semifinal to Richmond-Burton.
Top players: Isa Lozada, jr., SS; Dorothy Novello, sr., 1B; Payton Pugliese, jr., 2B; Rose Riley, sr., 3B; Reyna DeLaTorre, sr., OF; Cristina Villegas, sr., OF; Alyssa Texta, so., C.
Scouting report: A young Bison squad will rely heavily on the experience of its infield. Novello, Pugliese, Riley and Lozada all played on a full-time basis for Fenton last season. They hope that'll overcome all the youth on the squad. The Bison will have four freshmen on the team and will have four sophomores on the varsity squad for the first time. Mello and Fenton will look to five pitchers, all freshmen or sophomores, to carry the load in the circle. They're expecting some hiccups with the young squad but hope to grow from them. "By that time in late May these freshmen aren't going to be freshmen anymore," Mello said. "I'm sure there will be a game where we won't have it, but as long as we use those as learning experiences, we'll be fine."
Glenbard East
Coach: Dawn Chantos.
Last year: 11-19, 7-8 Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division; lost 11-1 in regional semifinals to Conant.
Top players: Tori Tyler, sr., P; Sam Dooley, sr., CF; Alivia Chuman, sr., 3B; Elisa Versetto, sr., 2B; Ari King, jr., C; Joselyn Molinar, jr., OF; Alexia Gonzalez, so., SS; Brook Hernandez, fr., 1B.
Scouting report: Glenbard East wants to compete to the very last pitch. The Rams enter their season with goals of "compete and tenacity." They hope to do that behind all-conference pitcher Tyler. Tyler will carry a bulk of the load and Chantos expects the senior to have her best season. Dooley, Chuman and Versetto will also be key leaders for the Rams. "I expect our seniors and returning varsity players to bring a lot of leadership to the team," Chantos said. "They are experienced varsity players and that will be key to a successful season. They are a strong group of seniors." Dooley and Chuman were all-conference selections. That senior leadership will try and lead the Rams to a finish in the top half of the Upstate Eight Valley.
Glenbard North
Coach: Josh Sanew.
Last year: 11-15, 9-7 third in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 3-2 in regional semifinal to South Elgin.
Top players: Trinity Medina, sr., SS/CF; Kaitlyn Scheitler, jr., P/3B/1B; Rushika Amin, jr., 1B/3B/P.
Scouting report: The Panthers have a young team this season, with Medina the only senior on the roster. That may cause some bumps in the road, but they hope to use those as building blocks for the rest of the season. Glenbard North will have to toy with its lineup to find its optimal lineup. "We have a lot of new people this year and we are still figuring out where everyone's best position is," Sanew said. "Overall our goal is to be a better team at the end of the year than we were at the beginning." Medina will be the leader on the team, but Sanew hopes to have others step up in the leadership roles as the season progresses. Four pitchers will give the Panthers variety and flexibility in the circle, too.
Glenbard South
Coach: Julie Fonda.
Last year: 19-15, second in Metro Suburban Conference, lost to St. Francis in sectional semifinal.
Top players: Mady Carli, sr., OF; Bailee Flanagan, sr., 1B; Daniella Little, jr., P/3B; Elizabeth Cizek, jr., OF/3B; Kate Mora, sr., 3B.
Scouting report: The Raiders lost their most games since 1992 last year but still won their 13th straight regional title. They return three all-conference players - Carli, Flanagan and Little - and nine overall. Carli is fresh off helping the basketball team win its first state trophy with a third-place finish at the Class 3A finals. She is a four-year varsity player, as are Flanagan and Mora. Sophomore Grace Wallner could be an impact player at shortstop, and Fonda says Cizek brings speed and a powerful bat to center field. "The Raiders are a hardworking bunch who are hungry for success this year," Fonda said.
Glenbard West
Coach: Mary McGrane.
Last year: 7-21, sixth in West Suburban Silver, lost to Fremd in regional semifinal.
Top players: Lexi Gregule, sr., 3B; Haley Walker, sr., P; Eliza Pasterik, sr., SS; Jessica Bongiorno, sr., OF; Isabel Hermanson, sr., 1B; Alize Aranda, jr., C/3B; Mallory Small, jr., P.
Scouting report: The Hilltoppers have two college recruits in Gregule, who is headed to Stevens Institute of Technology, and Bongiorno, who will play at Calvin. The bulk of last year's team returns and is eager to put its struggles in the past. "We return a solid core from last season and look to build upon the growth from last year's team," McGrane said. "Our seniors have grown into strong leaders and as a team our hope is to stay healthy and compete every game."
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Brittany Wolski.
Last year: 12-10, 6-6 in West Suburban Silver (fourth); lost to Richards 11-7 in Class 4A Hinsdale Central regional semifinals.
Top players: Julia Chatterjee, sr., SS; Eleni Tsokolas, sr., 2B; Cait Doneske, jr., CF; Piper Huffman, jr., 1B; Mikayla Kamon, jr., OF; Mary Grant, fr., P; Melaina Harvey, fr., OF/IF.
Scouting report: Fourth-year starter Chatterjee and third-year starters Tsokolas and Doneske will mentor numerous newcomers. "Through their leadership, we hope some of these younger girls see how to play the game and play at the varsity level," Wolski said. "We are really starting fresh. These girls are determined to work together and be the best they can be." Chatterjee, who will play at MIT, hit .355 with 16 RBI and 17 stolen bases. Senior all-conference infielder Lilja Carden is injured and may not return.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Kelly Van Hout.
Last year: 13-17, second in West Suburban Gold, lost to Shephard in regional semifinal.
Top players: Madison Kern, sr., P; Donna Stevens, sr., 3B; Kaitlyn Little, sr., 1B; Ellie Fichtelberg, sr., 2B; Marisa Marrera, sr., P/SS/OF; Jasmine Carlson, jr., IF/OF.
Scouting report: The Hornets made good progress last season and now have a veteran, athletic group that could have a breakout seasons. Kern, who will play at Carthage College, Stevens, Fichtelberg and Marrera were all-conference picks. Two freshmen - infielder/outfielder Molly Gricus and catcher/infielder Megan McGinley - are the top newcomers. "Hinsdale South is looking to make some noise this year," Van Hout said. "We have the entire team returning from last year and we are looking to have a strong season. We need to be consistent on defense and offense. Overall, I'm looking forward to this year with this group of athletes."
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: Frank Reaber.
Last year: 21-13, lost to Beecher in Class 2A supersectional.
Top players: Josie Lytton, sr., C; Kayla Faber, jr., P; Kayla Cervantes, jr., CF; Natalie Murillo, jr., 2B; Alessandra Eccardt, so., 1B.
Scouting report: The Knights have plenty of reasons to be optimistic after graduating just one starter from a team that came within one win of capturing the program's first state trophy. Lytton and Faber were all-conference and there is plenty of depth with sophomores Dani Murillo, Emma Lytton and Brooklyn Campos and freshman pitcher Rebecca Cash. That group will see plenty of action early as the Knights head to Cocoa Beach, Florida, for games over spring break. "We are fortunate to be returning many of our players from last year," Reaber said. "Our school is in the top bracket of the MSC yet we are one of the smallest schools, so we have some tough competition. However, we are strong in the pitching and our catching and hitting."
Lake Park
Coach: Tom Mazzie.
Last year: 17-17, fourth in DuPage Valley, lost to St. Charles East in regional final.
Top players: Jessica Gaseor, sr., CF; Emily Frank, sr., 3B/P; Abby Rodriguez, jr., SS/P; Alyssa Sturino, jr., IF/OF; Natalie Grubczak, jr., P/IF; Melanie Bogus, sr., C.
Scouting report: Mazzie returns to the helm after a four-year break and is excited about what he sees. Six players have at least two years of varsity experience, including two-time all-conference selection Gaseor, who hit .423 with a team-high 42 runs last year, and Frank, who slugged 5 homers and a team-leading 33 RBI. Both are three-year starters, as is Rodriguez, who led the team with 7 home runs and hit .477 last year. The pitching staff could be five deep and got a big boost with the return of Grubczak, who was 22-4 and the DVC Pitcher of the Year as a freshman before missing last season. Sophomore Abbey Frank joins the rotation. "Offensively, we believe that we can hit 1-16," Mazzie said. "We do not have many hitters that I fear putting in the lineup, and I would put our top seven hitters up against any in the area. We have so many great hitters we are going to find out who pounds the ball the best and we will find a spot in the field for them."
Lisle
Coach: Trent Schalk
Last year: 15-14, fourth in Interstate Eight North, lost to Westmont in Class 2A sectional semifinal.
Top players: Amanda Ericson, sr., P/1B; Jacque Sedlacek, sr., 3B; Mandy Kaiser, jr., IF/OF; Jamie Kaiser, jr., C; Sam Harmon, sr., IF.
Scouting report: With only 12 players on the roster, there isn't much margin for error. But seven of those players have varsity experience and Ericson is a returning all-conference pick. Freshman infielder Abby Casmer heads the list of five newcomers. "With seven returning players, we have a lot of varsity experience and those players will be a great influence on the five newcomers," Schalk said. "Our strength is our experience while our weakness is going to be depth. If we focus on getting better both individually and as a team every day, good things will happen for us this year."
Metea Valley
Coach: Kris Kalivas.
Last year: 19-11, 12-4, DuPage Valley Conference champion; lost to Yorkville in Class 4A Yorkville regional semifinal.
Top players: Emily Finger, jr., C/3B; Rissa Bajusz, so., P; Moira Danko, so., 3B/Utility; Samantha Golminas, jr., 1B/OF.
Scouting report: The Mustangs lost seven key players to graduation. However, four starters return and add in a talented group of young players and the cupboard isn't bare for Metea Valley. Bajusz's freshman season on the varsity saw her go 17-6 in the circle. She set the school record for strikeouts thrown in a season with 129 and had a 2.92 ERA. Finger is switching from third base to catcher and Kalivas said the team counts on her for leadership not only overall but with the pitching staff. Danko will likely switch from shortstop to third base and will be key to increasing the aggressiveness of Metea's bunt defense. Kalivas is expecting further contributions from Golminas on both offense and defense. "Our success will depend on how quickly they (the younger players) adjust to the varsity level and how well they will respond to the adversity they will face," Kalivas said.
Montini
Coach: Mike Bukovsky.
Last year: 28-7, 10-3 in GCAC Red for second place in regular season; won conference tournament; lost to Nazareth Academy in Class 3A Rosemont supersectional.
Top players: Nikki Cuchran, sr., 3B; Bri Clifton, sr., P; Lauren Latoria, jr., 2B; Alyssa Filkowski, jr., OF; Emily Alexander, jr., OF; Samantha Ferruzza, sr., C; Elyse Spaccapaniccia, so., 1B/C.
Scouting report: After field problems kept the Broncos on the road in 2017, the team returns home in a great position to keep the success ball rolling. Montini was just one game away last spring from returning to state, and several players who played last season and on the 2016 state title team are back. Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area softball captain Cuchran will pace the offense again. The DePaul-bound senior hit .620 with 65 RBI last season and earned her second all-state honor. The team's top pitcher, Clifton, who will play at Nicholls State in Louisiana next season, was also all-state last season and is 41-8 over the last two years. Latoria, Filkowski, Alexander, Ferruzza and Spaccapaniccia are all veterans and major contributors to the Montini lineup. "This might be the deepest team that we've had, maybe deeper than the state championship team," Bukovsky said. "There's a lot we can do with this lineup."
Naperville Central
Coach: Andy Nussbaum.
Last year: 17-12 overall; lost to West Aurora in Class 4A West Aurora regional semifinal.
Top players: Halle Arends, jr., P; Stacy Stark, sr., CF/P; Lauren Anderson, sr., 1B; Isabel Gomez, sr., C; Emma Gaskin, sr., 2B; Grace Biondo, sr., SS; Claire Busch, sr., 3B.
Scouting report: The Redhawks have made a trip to the Jacksonville, Illinois, area the last few seasons to help get in as many games possible in preparation for the highly competitive DuPage Valley Conference season. The team took a different direction this season, heading to the Orlando, Florida, area to take on various high schools there Thursday through Saturday. Nussbaum is optimistic about the Redhawks' capabilities for the 2017 season. "We have great pitching and great defense. We won't score a ton of runs," he said. Back at No. 1 pitcher is Arends, who is already committed to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Stark, the No. 2 pitcher, also is back at center field, Anderson is at first base, Gaskin at second, Biondo at shortstop and Busch at third base. Gomez is catcher. Nussbaum said if the Redhawks' offense heats up, that will be a big help, but the team's pitching and defense will go the longest way in determining the team's success this spring.
Naperville North
Coach: Jerry Kedziora.
Last year: 6-24, 3-13, ninth place in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Waubonsie Valley in Class 4A Yorkville regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Janelle Honaker, sr., SS; Callie Ladone, sr., 2B; Maya Tucker, sr., OF; Sarah Smith, jr., C/1B; Alexis Hilgert, jr., C/OF; Brooke Reed, jr., 1B; Emma Johannes, jr., OF; Allysa Vansickle, jr., P/OF; Allison Arnold, sr., OF.
Scouting report: The Huskies are looking this year to rebound from their worst season since 2002. Everyone is healthy has another year of experience on their softball resume. "With the entire defensive middle returning (Smith, Honaker, Ladone, Tucker) as well as three other starters, we are hoping experience both offensively and defensively can help a young pitching staff improve upon last season's numbers," Kedziora said. Reed, Hilgert and sophomore Mackenzie Bradley provide addition offensive punch to the Naperville North lineup.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Christina Chrencik.
Last year: 16-16, 11-5, second in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Plainfield North in Class 4A Neuqua Valley regional semifinal.
Top players: Danielle Olson, sr., C; Zoe Herdman, sr., P/IF; Mikaela Domico, sr., OF; Paige Price, sr., IF/C; Delaney Molnar, sr., P; Lauren Notestine, sr., IF; Abby Meeks, jr., IF; Chloe Steinhaus, jr., P/IF; Bailey Clarke, jr. OF.
Scouting report: A mixture of returning veterans and first-year players coming off successful JV seasons gives Chrencik confidence that the Wildcats can improve upon last season. The veterans are led by four players who will play in college, Olson (Western Illinois University), Herdman (Butler University), Domico (University of Southern Indiana) and Price (DePauw University). "Offensive success will come from a number of weapons in the lineup, including speed, power and clutch hitting, and a variety of bunting styles," Chrencik said. The Neuqua coach added that team unity and a strong desire to improve upon 2017 are driving the Wildcats this spring. "The girls are very focused and motivated this season, they expect more out of themselves than last year. Our goal this season is to win conference. I expect our hitting and defense to carry us throughout the season. Our biggest strength is our cohesion. The girls have played together for a couple years now and they like playing with one another," she said.
St. Francis
Coach: Ralph Remus
Last year: 33-5, 12-0, won the GCAC Red Division; lost to Montini in Class 3A St. Francis Sectional final.
Top players: Shelby Winkelman, sr., P/1B; Carlee Clark, jr., P/1B; Becca Imbrogno, sr., OF; Josie Smith, sr., SS; Caroline Caesar, jr., C.
Scouting report: Remus speaks of this being the most experienced he's ever led. "Everyone is back from last year. We will be solid both on offense and defense, but I will still be looking for improvement as the season progresses. While our record may not end up as good as last year, we should be a better team," he said. Winkelman went 19-4 last spring and is 33-5 over the past two seasons. She was among the best in DuPage County in wins, strikeouts and ERA. At the plate she hit .476 with 7 home runs and 49 RBI last year. Clark was 14-1 on the mound with a 1.02 ERA, Caesar finished with 37 RBI and Imbrogno hit .466. "I think these players will use what they did last year to provide a framework for their achievements this year. Their goal is to be better in June than they are in March," Remus said.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Lindsay Slovey.
Last year: Lost to Chicago Academy in Class 2A Lisle regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Liv Schuringa, sr., 1B/C; Lauren Gehrke, jr., P/3B; Allison Heersink, jr., SS/P.
Scouting report: Slovey said multiple injuries and not being able to field a full roster made life tough for the Trojans. But it's a new season and Slovey is optimistic her team can take steps forward. "We are a young team with a lot of heart. They are a strong group of girls. We are setting small goals for the season and I think they are capable of exceeding those goals. We are excited to have a full roster this season and look forward to the future softball teams at Timothy," she said. Schuringa, Gehrke and Heersink will be looked to for leadership. "They have the experience and talent to help lead the younger players," Slovey said.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Val Wood.
Last year: 11-22-2, 5-11, eighth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Geneva in Class 4A Yorkville regional semifinal.
Top players: Michele Calabrese, sr., SS; Caleigh Cramer, sr., 3B; Emily Olson, jr., P.
Scouting report: Wood is confident the Warriors have the talent and ability to improve their softball lot in life this season. "Despite having a young squad this season, we are looking to be competitive with the talent and determination they bring to the team," she said. "We have experienced leadership in Michele and Caleigh who have taken the underclassmen under their wings and helped mold them into varsity players." Wood said that Olson is looking strong on the mound. "If we are able to stay focused on our goals and keep the 'one game at a time' mentality, we will be competitive throughout the season," the Waubonsie coach said.
West Chicago
Coach: Sean Gimpert.
Last year: 5-18, 4-12 in Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division (fifth); lost to Bolingbrook 14-0 in Class 4A Downers Grove North regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Gianna Hernandez, jr., C; Isabella Zentner, sr., P; Alyssa Szulczewski, jr., CF; Christina Trigueros, jr., 1B; Aimee Cejna, jr., SS; Emily Murphy, sr., OF; Ariana Elizondo, so., 3B/2B; Maggie Culver, fr., OF; Alexa Elizondo, fr., OF.
Scouting report: With their battery and infield intact and seven returning starters, the Wildcats should benefit from 2017 growing pains. Zentner, committed to Waubonsee Community College, returns as the pitching workhorse with two-time all-UEC Hernandez catching. Trigueros, all-UEC in 2016, Murphy, Szulczewski and Cejna also enter their third varsity seasons. "We're a much more mature team and I think that's going to help with our resiliency," Gimpert said. "We'll never be out of a game with our potential on offense. (And) I'm expecting our defense to be a lot better."
Westmont
Coach: Sue Zapinski.
Last year: 6-16, 1-15 in Interstate Eight Conference North (6th); lost to Immaculate Conception 1-0 in Class 2A Lisle sectional final.
Top players: Ashley Eiermann, sr., P/C/SS; Emily Whitburn, sr., 2B; Allie Kraft, sr., 3B; Caitlin Ashcraft, jr., CF; Maggie Durr, so., P/SS; Cassie Bogacz, fr., SS/IF; Delanie Graziano, fr., C.
Scouting report: With six seniors and five returning starters, including fourth-year Eiermann, Kraft and Whitburn, these Sentinels know playing predominantly Class 3A teams prepares them well. The 2017 Sentinels captured their fourth straight regional and reached their first sectional final since 2014. "We play so much stiff competition," Zapinski said. "These returning starters have a great mindset that we can start out a little rough but put ourselves together and be strong by the end." Whitburn will play at Prairie State College. Eiermann and Durr will add pitching duties after Westmont lost its primary duo.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Todd Starowitz.
Last year: 14-11, first in Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division, lost to Glenbard South in regional final.
Top players: Cassie Bonga, sr., IF; Krysta Deutch, sr., CF; Madison Ebeling, sr., SS; Haleigh an Wagner, sr., C; Leah Kodat, fr., 2B/P.
Scouting report: Graduation claimed two college players, including all-state center fielder Meghan Gagliano, now at Charleston Southern, but the Warriors return six senior starters. The Loyola-bound Ebeling is a three-time all-state selection, who earned first-team all-state honors last season after batting .520 with 8 doubles, 4 triples, 6 home runs, 20 stolen bases and 35 RBI. Starowitz expects the team to be solid up the middle with Ebeling, Kodat and Deutch, who hit .242 with 12 RBI. The Warriors also have a fine batter in senior pitcher Courtney Kinnane throwing to Van Wagner, a Taylor recruit. Both were all-conference last spring, with Kinnane going 4-4 with a 3.19 ERA while hitting .319 with 11 extra-base hits. Yet Starowitz isn't taking another conference title for granted. "Depth is a very serious concern," he said. "The MSC Blue looks to be as strong as it has been in recent memory with Glenbard South, Riverside-Brookfield and rapidly emerging Aurora Central Catholic the preseason favorites."
Wheaton North
Coach: Zach Peterselli.
Last year: 13-17, 7-9 in DuPage Valley Conference (sixth); lost to St. Charles North 7-3 in Class 4A St. Charles North regional semifinals.
Top players: Maddy Campbell, sr., 3B; Danielle Quealy, sr., SS; Rachel Alexander, jr., OF; Bella Como, jr., C; Ilah Boyd, sr., IF; Lexie Reynolds, sr., IF.
Scouting report: It's a new look for the Falcons. Peterselli was last season's varsity assistant, and returning starter Campbell is the lone varsity returnee. Tryouts were extended to finalize the roster, which will add sophomores and freshmen and several key contributors from a successful junior varsity. "There's going to be a lot of girls who haven't been on the same team before," Peterselli said. "Chemistry and team bonding need to come together to make sure we have a successful season."
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Jeff Pawlak.
Last year: 16-11, 10-6 in DuPage Valley Conference (third); lost to Downers Grove North 2-0 in Class 4A Downers Grove North regional semifinals.
Top players: Kaitlyn Bresingham, jr., 1B/P; Aerin Moberg, sr., OF; Shaye Arwood, sr., P/OF; Sami Carr, sr., C; Kacie Vlach, sr., P; Carly Briggs, so., 2B/SS/3B; Abby Struebing, so., 2B/SS/3B.
Scouting report: The Tigers, who won nine of their final 13 in 2017, return seven starters and depth. All-DVC player Bresingham hit .357 with a team-high 21 RBI. Honorable mention Moberg, who will play at Wisconsin Lutheran, batted .348 with 20 stolen bases. Vlach, Carr and Briggs hit above .330. "This is the most position competition that we've had," Pawlak said. "Defensively, I think we should be pretty sound. Offensively, these kids have a really good approach." Vlach and Bresingham lead candidates to replace graduated pitching ace Sydne Shattuck.
Willowbrook
Coach: Rachel Karos.
Last year: 10-20, 4-8 in West Suburban Gold (tied for fifth); lost to Neuqua Valley 10-0 in Class 4A Neuqua Valley regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Katie Smith, sr., 3B; Emma Barrington, jr., C; Sam Mishlove, jr., CF; Amy Bussa, jr., 1B; Maddie Campbell, sr., flex; Chloe Zunkel, sr., OF; Shannon Knudson, so., SS; Caroline Dooley, fr., P/OF/2B.
Scouting report: The hardworking Warriors are committed to be formidable by season's end. All-conference Smith leads five returning starters joined by younger players in key roles. Mishlove also is a third-year varsity standout. Dooley is among several promising pitching prospects in the program. "Hopefully (our overall) experience can get those younger girls on the same page quicker," Karos said. "We've got a talented group. We play such a tough schedule. (Our goal is) just to compete every single game and continue to improve."
York
Coach: Elizabeth Munn.
Last year: 18-14, 5-7 in West Suburban Silver (fifth); lost to Lane 7-2 in Class 4A Niles West regional final.
Top players: Kyra Kroll, sr., CF; Katherine Karnatz, jr., SS/OF; Izzy Smith, jr., 3B; Mia Tran, sr., 2B; Madison Collins, sr., C; Andrea Meagher, sr., 1B/OF; Lauren Wojcik, sr., P/1B; Jane Moran, sr., OF; Julia Derkowski, jr., P/2B; Lauren Derkowski, fr., P; Madeline Modica, fr., C/OF/1B.
Scouting report: The Dukes should have a memorable season. Western Illinois signee Kroll, Northern Illinois recruit Smith and Karnatz were 2017 all-conference and lead a roster with seven seniors. "A lot of them have been together three, four years. I've seen tremendous growth out of all of them," Munn said. "We're excited. We're definitely going to be a tough team and we look forward to the competitiveness in our conference." Kroll hit .520 with 7 homers and 46 RBI, Smith .405 with 33 RBI and Karnatz .383 as an all-conference repeat. Tran added 30 RBI and Moran 22 stolen bases. Wojcik's pitching will be bolstered by a healthy Julia Derkowski and Lauren Derkowski, Julia's sister. Sophomore starter Sydney Fuglsang is out with a torn ACL.